CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: December 21, 2016

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public information meeting concerning proposed intersection improvements on Route 34 (Derby Turnpike) at Baldwin Road in Orange on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in the Meeting Room located on the lower level of the Orange Town Hall, 617 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT 06477.  Additional improvements include the upgrade of the existing Route 34 Computerized Traffic Signal System (CTSS) in Derby and Orange.  An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 106-126.

The purpose of the project is to address safety concerns at the intersection of Route 34 (Derby Turnpike) and Baldwin Road in the town of Orange by providing and/or lengthening exclusive turn lanes and installing a traffic signal to improve traffic operations.  The project will begin on Route 34 approximately 475 feet west of Baldwin Road and will continue easterly on Route 34 to approximately 525 feet east of Baldwin Road, for a distance of about 1,000 feet.  The Route 34 median west of Baldwin Road will be revised to increase the storage length of the existing Route 34 eastbound left-turn lane to Baldwin Road.  Route 34 to the east of Baldwin Road will be widened to provide an exclusive Route 34 westbound right-turn lane to Baldwin Road.  Baldwin Road will be widened to provide a left-turn lane and a right-turn lane at the intersection with Route 34.  The Baldwin Road widening will begin at the intersection of Route 34 and extend northerly for approximately 300 feet.  A traffic control signal will be installed and the intersection will be revised from a side street stop-controlled to a signalized operation.  The project roadways will be resurfaced, and new pavement markings and signage will be installed. 
 
The project will also include the replacement of outdated controller cabinets at five (5) existing traffic control signals in the city of Derby and at six (6) existing traffic control signals in the town of Orange.  Upgrading the existing signal system by installing new controller cabinets will allow the system to be compatible with the Department’s current information technology network, improve signal coordination, and facilitate traffic flow on this section of Route 34.

There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed widening of Route 34 and Baldwin Road. These impacts are anticipated to include easements for highway purposes, a defined easement for traffic signal appurtenances, and one (1) partial property acquisition.  Additionally, temporary construction easements may be necessary during the widening of the roadways.

Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2019, based on the availability of funding.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2 million.  This project is anticipated to be undertaken with ninety percent (90%) Federal funds and ten percent (10%) State funds.

The meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Office of Communications at (860) 594-3062 at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting.   Persons having a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS).   Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

If postponement of the public informational meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, it will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the original hour and location.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Ms. Susan M. Libatique at (860) 594-3179 or by e-mail at Susan.Libatique@ct.gov.  Plans are also available for review at the Orange Town Hall, Public Works Department.